United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Belgium passport holders
Belgian passport holders can enter the UAE for up to 30 days without a visa on arrival. The stay can be extended once for a further 30 days.
Great news! Belgium passport holders can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No prior visa application needed. Belgian passport holders receive a 30-day visa-free entry stamp on arrival. Extensions of 30 days can be arranged through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or through your hotel or an authorized typing center. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your entry date.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Belgium to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
Belgium and the UAE have strong economic ties, with Belgian companies active in trade, logistics, and technology in the Gulf region. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the main Belgian travel destinations in the UAE: Dubai's world-class shopping, architecture, and nightlife and Abu Dhabi's cultural sites including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque draw Belgian visitors year-round. Emirates and Etihad airlines both operate extensive networks through their hubs, making the UAE an important transit point for Belgians traveling onward to Asia, Africa, and Australia.
How to Get There
Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct flights to Dubai (DXB) with Emirates and Brussels Airlines, and to Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Etihad. Flight time is approximately 6.5-7 hours. Both airlines offer good frequency and connecting options onward.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE Dirham (AED). Cards are universally accepted. Contactless is standard. ATMs are abundant. The UAE is moderately expensive: hotels and restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are comparable to major European cities, while street food and souks offer more affordable options. No tipping is legally required, but 10% is appreciated at restaurants and for hotel staff.
Practical Tips
The UAE operates a zero-tolerance policy on drugs: do not carry any medications without proper documentation. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants but consuming it in public or being drunk in public is illegal. Dress modestly in shopping malls and public spaces outside beach resorts. Ramadan significantly affects restaurant hours and alcohol availability: check dates before travel. The Dubai Metro is efficient and covers major tourist zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa for the UAE?
No. Belgian citizens receive a 30-day visa-free stay on arrival in the UAE. No prior application is needed.
What is the visa-free duration for Belgians in the UAE?
Belgian citizens are admitted for 30 days on arrival. This can be extended once for a further 30 days through the GDRFA or your hotel, giving a maximum of 60 days without needing a formal visa.
What should Belgian visitors know about UAE laws?
The UAE has strict laws. Alcohol is only available in licensed venues (hotels, restaurants, airports): drinking in public is illegal. Dress modestly in public spaces outside beach resorts and hotel pools. Recreational drugs carry severe penalties including imprisonment. Public displays of affection can be penalized.
How do I fly from Brussels to Dubai?
Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct flights to Dubai (DXB) with Emirates and to Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Etihad. Flight time is approximately 6.5-7 hours.
What is there to do in Dubai beyond shopping?
Dubai offers the Burj Khalifa observation deck (book well in advance), Dubai Frame, Al Seef heritage waterfront, desert safari experiences, Ski Dubai indoor ski slope, and day trips to Abu Dhabi (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque). The beaches of Jumeirah and Kite Beach are excellent.
Is the UAE expensive for Belgian tourists?
The UAE is moderately expensive, broadly comparable to Western European cities for hotels and international restaurants. Local food (Arabic cuisine, Indian restaurants) and supermarkets are affordable. Alcohol in licensed venues is expensive due to taxes.